NORTH COUNTY 
Participants in the San Diego Cat Fanciers 17th annual Food and Water Bowl think it's the purr-fect way to spend a weekend. Pet owners can meet and greet, people can learn about various cat breeds, and everyone – including the four-footed family members – can go shopping.

Sandee Gilbert of Escondido, a breeder of Tonkinese cats and marketing director for the show, said the event has something for everyone.

“In addition to the judging and agility performances, one of the most popular parts of this show is the Meow Mall,” Gilbert said. “We will have vendors with everything from artwork and pet toys to a variety of specialty items. ... People can find items for their pets that they probably cannot ordinarily find in a pet store.”

Food and Water Bowl XVII features a wide variety of cats, Gilbert said. Owners of nearly 40 types of purebreds will participate, as will several cat rescue organizations.

Cats and kittens will be available for adoption. People interested in adopting kittens should arrive early, Gilbert said.

Finding a new pet has drawn many people to the show, including Whitney Perkins of Vista, who found her pet tabby there more than 10 years ago. That was enough to keep her coming back year after year, adding a blue point Siamese and an Oriental shorthair along the way.

“Oriental shorthairs may not be for everyone,” she said. “They definitely have a different temperament than the Siamese. They are active and athletic, and they love attention.”

For the past year, she has been showing her Oriental shorthair in the Premiership category for spayed and neutered cats. The cat has been earning points toward a regional championship, a goal that Perkins hopes to attain.

“I have started going to shows all over our region,” she said. “It's a blast. I love meeting new people. Breeding may be the next step.”

Judging will take place in eight different rings, and agility competitions will occur throughout the weekend. In agility competitions, cats run an obstacle course, including triple jumps, circles and tunnels.

San Diego County residents may enter their cats in the Household Pet Class – if their cats enjoy attention, are friendly and are not easily frightened. The cats will be judged on personality, health and beauty.

Any nonpedigreed cat that is spayed or neutered is eligible and could win the title of “Best Household Pet.” To be shown, all household pets must be at least 4 months old, not declawed and in good health with no evidence of fleas or ear mites. Cats 8 months or older must be spayed or neutered.

“We have a Cat Fanciers Association judge who plans lectures on different topics throughout the weekend,” she said. “She keeps about 15 cats with her as she speaks, and she covers topics such as history of cats, breeding, health and grooming. She is on hand to help the public understand what a cat show is all about.”